**📌 Core Information**
🔹 Job Title: Senior Marketing Director Europe
🔹 Company: Unilever
🔹 Location: Kingston Head Office, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days on-site)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Kingston Head Office) with hybrid flexibility
**🚀 Job Overview**
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the regional Lipton brand agenda for Europe, driving growth across 40 markets.
- Developing and deploying best-in-class long-term brand building programs, including brand architecture, distinctive assets, and brand world.
- Securing alignment and buy-in between the joint venture (JV) and markets regarding strategy, annual operating plan, innovation agenda, communication campaigns, and digital acceleration.
- Collaborating with key business units and bottling partners to ensure marketing strategies translate effectively into winning brand plans.
- Partnering with the global extended leadership team and regional marketing teams to export Lipton RTDT strategies, visual identity system, assets, and mixes across regions outside Europe.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and collaborative mindset, with the ability to influence and create system wins within a complex matrix organization.
**📋 Key Responsibilities**
✅ Lead the category and brand planning elements of the strategic plan and annual operating plan (AOP) for Europe.
✅ Key member of the JV’s Europe Leadership Team, closely partnering with the Europe GM to deliver regional business objectives.
✅ Develop and consistently deploy best-in-class long-term brand building programs, including brand architecture, distinctive brand assets, and brand world.
✅ Develop effective and efficient Lipton brand programs for European markets, delivering market-ready ammunition (communication, innovation, design, activation) for deployment.
✅ Support European Business Directors in joint planning and alignment processes with bottler partners around the strategic plan and AOP.
✅ Own brand health and key equity KPIs, driving consistent tangible year-on-year improvements in penetration, market share, and demand power across Europe.
✅ Play a key role in the broader JV marketing team, exporting Lipton RTDT strategies, visual identity system, assets, and mixes across regions outside Europe.
✅ Partner with the JV Digihub team to deliver on key future-fit marketing transformation initiatives, including end-to-end brand and shopper experiences, partnerships, social-first thinking, and e-commerce.
✅ Responsible for relationships with relevant creative, media, and digital agencies, including custodian agencies for Lipton RTDT.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong focus on strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder management to drive brand growth and market penetration.
**🎯 Required Qualifications**
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field. MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification preferred.
Experience: Proven track record of delivering strong penetration and brand equity gains, with experience in both innovation and communication development. Experience in regional (EU) or global brand management is essential.
Required Skills:
- Strategic thinking and thought leadership in brand strategy evolution.
- Strong business acumen and ability to influence and create system wins in a complex matrix organization.
- Dynamic leadership with strong storytelling and communication skills.
- Proven ability to turn brand strategies into winning marketing mixes (comms and innovation).
- Fluency in English; proficiency in additional European languages is an asset.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in a joint venture or complex matrix organization.
- Proven ability to build and lead high-performing, engaged teams.
- Experience working with bottling partners or other external stakeholders.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong marketing background with experience in brand development, commercialization, and digital marketing, as well as a proven track record in driving brand growth and market penetration.
**💰 Compensation & Benefits**
Salary Range: £120,000 - £140,000 per annum (pro-rata for the 14-16 month contract), plus bonus and benefits package. Note: This estimate is based on industry standards for a senior marketing director role in the United Kingdom.
Benefits:
- Competitive bonus and benefits package.
- Flexible hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site).
- Relocation assistance (if applicable).
- Pension and healthcare contributions.
- Employee discounts on Unilever products.
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexibility to work remotely 2 days per week.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range and benefits package are competitive for a senior marketing director role in the United Kingdom, with a focus on work-life balance and employee well-being.
**📌 Applicant Insights**
**🔍 Company Context**
Industry: Consumer Goods, specifically Beverages (RTDT - Ready-to-Drink Tea).
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (global), with a complex matrix organization structure.
Founded: 1872, with a joint venture (Pepsi Lipton) established in 1994.
Company Description:
- Unilever is a global consumer goods company, with a portfolio ranging from nutritionally balanced foods to indulgent ice creams, affordable soaps, luxurious shampoos, and everyday household care products.
- The company produces world-leading brands including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann’s, and Omo, alongside trusted local names and innovative-forward thinking brands like Ben & Jerry’s, The Dollar Shave Club, and Dermalogica.
- Unilever is committed to sustainable business practices, with a net zero goal and a purpose-led approach to business.
Company Specialties:
- Consumer Goods
- Food
- Home Care
- Personal Care
- Refreshments
- Marketing & Advertising
- Retail
- Purpose
- FMCG
- Digital
- Ice Cream
- Nutrition
- Sustainability
- Beauty & Wellbeing
- Innovation
Company Website: www.unilever.com
ASSUMPTION: Unilever is a large, global consumer goods company with a diverse portfolio of brands, operating in a complex matrix organization with a strong focus on sustainability and purpose-led business practices.
**📊 Role Analysis**
Career Level: Senior Marketing Director (14-16 month contract).
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Global PL CMO and closely partners with the Europe GM.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote).
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to transition to a permanent role within the joint venture or parent companies (Unilever or PepsiCo).
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and drive significant brand growth across Europe.
- Exposure to senior leadership and talented colleagues across the globe, fostering professional development and networking opportunities.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities, both in terms of professional development and potential career progression within the joint venture or parent companies.
**🌍 Location & Work Environment**
Office Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote).
Office Location(s): Kingston Head Office, United Kingdom (with potential relocation to 100 Victoria Embankment, London, in 2027).
Geographic Context:
- Kingston-upon-Thames is located in South West London, with excellent transport links to central London and the rest of the UK.
- The region has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- The office is situated near the River Thames, offering scenic views and nearby green spaces.
Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexibility to work remotely 2 days per week.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, with a convenient location in South West London.
**💼 Interview & Application Insights**
Typical Process:
- Online application submission.
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager.
- In-depth behavioral and technical interviews with the hiring manager and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Final interview with the global PL CMO.
- Background and reference checks.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and brand management skills.
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.
- Cultural fit and alignment with Unilever and PepsiCo values.
- Ability to thrive in a complex matrix organization.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and ability to work in a complex matrix organization.
- Research Unilever and PepsiCo, and be prepared to discuss how your values align with the companies' purpose-led approach.
- Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the role and address any remaining questions.
ATS Keywords: Marketing Director, Brand Management, Strategic Planning, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Stakeholder Management, Complex Matrix Organization, Joint Venture, Consumer Goods, Beverages, RTDT, Europe, Hybrid Work Arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The application process is thorough and competitive, with a strong focus on cultural fit and strategic thinking skills.
**🛠️ Tools & Technologies**
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau, Adobe Analytics)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- CRM and marketing automation platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant marketing tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
**👔 Cultural Fit Considerations**
Company Values:
- Exploration: We believe in the relentless pursuit of growth, learning, and innovation, driven by curiosity and a pioneering spirit.
- Courage: We embrace boldness and resilience in daring to challenge the status quo.
- Collaboration: We succeed through partnership and empowering people to make things happen.
- Positivi-TEA: We uplift through the power of tea to replenish people, society, planet, including each other with our culture of positivi-TEA.
Work Style:
- Agile and adaptable, with a focus on delivering results in a dynamic and challenging environment.
- Strong personal mastery and drive, with a commitment to self-learning and leading change.
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to influence and create system wins in a complex matrix organization.
- Curious and open to learning, with a passion for driving high-delivery and performance.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Unilever and PepsiCo's purpose-led approach?
- How do you thrive in a complex matrix organization, and what strategies do you use to manage multiple stakeholders?
- How do you balance personal growth and development with high-delivery and performance expectations?
ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit is crucial for success in this role, with a strong focus on exploration, courage, collaboration, and positivi-TEA.
**⚠️ Potential Challenges**
- Navigating a complex matrix organization with multiple stakeholders and reporting lines.
- Balancing the needs of the joint venture (JV) with those of the parent companies (Unilever and PepsiCo).
- Managing a hybrid work arrangement, balancing on-site collaboration and remote flexibility.
- Driving brand growth and market penetration in a highly competitive and dynamic beverage market.
- Adapting to changes in the market, consumer behavior, and business priorities.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong stakeholder management, adaptability, and a strategic mindset to overcome.
**📈 Similar Roles Comparison**
- Unlike other senior marketing director roles, this position focuses on the regional Lipton brand agenda for Europe, with a strong emphasis on driving growth across 40 markets.
- This role requires a deep understanding of the European beverage market and consumer behavior, as well as the ability to work effectively with bottling partners and other external stakeholders.
- Career progression in this role may lead to global brand management or senior leadership positions within the joint venture or parent companies.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique growth opportunities and challenges compared to other senior marketing director positions, with a strong focus on regional brand management and stakeholder collaboration.
**📝 Sample Projects**
- Developing and executing a strategic plan and annual operating plan (AOP) for Lipton in Europe, driving growth and market penetration across 40 markets.
- Leading a cross-functional team to create and deploy best-in-class long-term brand building programs, including brand architecture, distinctive brand assets, and brand world.
- Partnering with key business units and bottling partners to ensure marketing strategies translate effectively into winning brand plans, driving brand growth and market share.
ASSUMPTION: These projects require strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and a deep understanding of the European beverage market and consumer behavior.
**❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview**
- How does this role fit into the broader marketing team and global brand strategy for Lipton?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does the joint venture (JV) approach collaboration and decision-making with the parent companies (Unilever and PepsiCo)?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the JV or parent companies?
- How does the company support work-life balance and employee well-being, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.
**📌 Next Steps for Applicants**
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and ability to work in a complex matrix organization.
- Research Unilever and PepsiCo, and be prepared to discuss how your values align with the companies' purpose-led approach.
- Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the role and address any remaining questions.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
